Police Charge Zoo Director

photo of Meghan Mogensen

Reston
Police District – Following a complex five-month-long investigation,
Animal Control Officers arrested the 26-year-old director of the Reston
Zoo on Friday, June 22.

Meghan
Mogensen of Silver Spring was charged with animal cruelty and possession
of a controlled substance after alleged improper treatment of a sick
wallaby. Animal Control Officers were alerted to a situation at the
facility, 1228 Hunter Mill Road in Reston, when they followed up on a
complaint of suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of an adult
wallaby. On January 26, officers opened an investigation relating to
allegations of improper treatment of injured animals and improper use of
euthanasia drugs. A search warrant was executed on February 16 when
evidence was obtained.

The
investigation is ongoing. Animal Control Officers are working jointly
with the USDA, VDACS and other entities that insure proper protocols
involving humane animal euthanasia, treatment and practices are used.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at
1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org
or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax
County Police at 703-691-2131.

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To request this information in an alternate format, call the Public Affairs Bureau at 703.246.2253. TTY 703-877-3715